Patent cost / lawyer fees?
I have a small business and I have filed a provisional patent application very recently. I am now thinking about now applying for a real utility patent. I already have professional drawings and the good explanation completed as recommended by ''Patent it yourself'' book as I had needed to turn something in for the provisional patent application. Given a lot of the work has been completed excluding prior art research, how much should I expect to pay 1) Patent office 2) Patent Agent/Attorney to finish my real utility patent? My idea is not very complicated (nothing more than a unique label for my manufactured product) that has certain new uses.
Re: Patent cost / lawyer fees?
First mistake was drafting the provisional application yourself -- this limits the scope of claims that can be filed in the full-blown application. You can hire some agents/lawyers very cheaply and get what you pay for. The better ones will not charge less than $5k. If you want wallpaper (i.e., a nice-looking certificate that confers no real rights), by all means shop on the basis of price. Much better, however, to interview prospective counsel (most will give a free initial consultation) to learn more about the process and how each lawyer would approach drafting your claims.
Best wishes,
LDWG
Re: Patent cost / lawyer fees?
First mistake was drafting the provisional application yourself -- this limits the scope of claims that can be filed in the full-blown application. You can hire some agents/lawyers very cheaply and get what you pay for. The better ones will not charge less than $5k. If you want wallpaper (i.e., a nice-looking certificate that confers no real rights), by all means shop on the basis of price. Much better, however, to interview prospective counsel (most will give a free initial consultation) to learn more about the process and how each lawyer would approach drafting your claims.
Best wishes,
LDWG
